Acquaintanceship

/əˈkweɪntənʃɪp/ noun

Definition

The state or relationship of being acquainted with someone; a friendship or connection that is less close than deep friendship.

Etymology

From acquaintance (Old French acointier, 'to make known,' from Latin ad + cognitus 'known') plus the suffix -ship (Old English, meaning 'state or condition of'). The suffix -ship has been used since Old English to denote relationships and conditions.

Kelly Says

The word acquaintanceship captures something English speakers deal with constantly—you have acquaintances, friends, and best friends, and each relationship has a different level of trust and intimacy that we navigate socially!

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